For My Sunday Song #443, we are going full on Rockabilly with “Elvis on Velvet” by Stray Cats. The song was the first single off their 1992 album ‘Choo Choo Hot Fish’. By 1992, I didn’t even realize that Stray Cats were still an album and song producing entity. It wasn’t until I came across their 1997 greatest hits compilation, ‘Runaway Boys: A Retrospective ’81-’92’ that I ever heard this song. It was the last song on that compilation and when I heard I was blown away. I mean completely floored. I think I hit repeat on that one song for an hour (okay, maybe not, but it was a lot). The song didn’t chart nor the album, but the song might be my absolute favorite song by the band.
It was written by David Neuhauser, Monty Byrom and Tom Kimmel but I don’t think it is a cover. I believe the Stray Cats were the first to release it which makes it their song. It is about Elvis Presley and there are a lot of song titles referenced in the lyrics like Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and Love Me Tender. The Velvet part is in reference to those Black Velvet posters that were made of Elvis that glowed in black light. Really cool actually. Elvis and Velvet have been written about many times including “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles and many others.
The opening drum sound by Slim Jim Phantom is pretty killer. It is reminiscent of David Bowie’s “Modern Love” and has that same groove. Maybe sped up quite a lot, but its there. It grabs you. Then bring in Lee Rocker’s bass and the groove is all set and ready to blast off. With Brian Setzer on guitar and vocals it is all so captivating. I love how Brian delivers the lyrics. They are so controlled, deliberate and rapid fire and sang with a lot of power and attitude. I can feel Elvis curling that lip. Throw in a killer guitar solo that lays waste to your ears and even those licks he plays as the song fades out are simply stellar. You have all the makings of one of the greatest rockabilly rock songs ever done. At least to me that is.
Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. If this song doesn’t get you moving and grooving, I don’t know what will. Elvis might be dead but the influence and music and gave us will be celebrated forever. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful and Happy Sunday!!
“Elvis On Velvet”
All night long way black top highway midnight hittin’ a groove
Mustang radio rag top jukebox hound dog don’t be cruel
Roadside rest stop all night truck stop side show out of a van
Rhinestone lunchbox ashtray junk shop key chain hittin’ the fan
Elvis on velvet – don’t know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet – it’s got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet – somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet – and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead
Well drift back daydream Memphis street scene 1955
Street flair flat bed three piece string band shakin’ man alive
Then heartbreak hotel, jailhouse rock, love me tender please
I’m all shooked up, too much, so treat me nice and wear my ring
Elvis on velvet – don’t know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet – it’s got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet – somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet – and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead
Well graceland wasteland right this way ma’am one low price to pay
His life, his love, his home, his stuff, his final resting place
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, thy records re-released
All kneel to second guess and bless him, let him rest in peace
Elvis on velvet – don’t know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet – it’s got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet – somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet – and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead
Writer(s): David Adrian Iii Neuhauser, Monty C. Byrom, Thomas E. Kimmel
